US7055740B1 - Stored-value card adapted to be read by an electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

A stored-value card including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface stores data adapted to be read by an electronic device to perform at least one interactive activity. The second surface is opposite the first surface. The second surface includes account indicia signifying a financial account linked to the stored-value card, and brand indicia relating to a retail setting configured to redeem the stored-value card. The at least one interactive activity includes displaying at least one of a character, an object, a textual passage, and a symbol associated with the retail setting. Financial transaction card assemblies, packaged stored-value cards, and methods of using such cards are also disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stored-value cards and other financial transactions cards come in many forms. A gift card, for example, is a type of stored-value card that includes pre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value. In one example, a customer buys a gift card having a specified value for presentation as a gift to another person. In another example, a customer is offered a gift card as an incentive to make a purchase. A gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the bearer. The balance associated with the card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits to the retailer or other provider issuing the card. Additionally, the card generally remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer. Gift cards provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a stored-value card including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface stores data adapted to be read by an electronic device to perform at least one interactive activity. The second surface is opposite the first surface. The second surface includes account indicia signifying a financial account linked to the stored-value card and brand indicia relating to a retail setting configured to redeem the stored-value card. The at least one interactive activity includes displaying at least one of a character, an object, a textual passage, and a symbol associated with the retail setting. Related products and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a stored-value card, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the stored-value card ofFIG. 1, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of a main menu user interface, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a first game user interface, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of a second game user interface, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of a packaged card product, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of one embodiment of an outside of a package backer for a stored-value card, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged front inverted view of a bottom panel of the outside of the package backer ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a back view of the package backer ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a back view of the package backer ofFIG. 7 with a stored-value card and a transparent substrate during assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken alongline10—10 ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration indicating use options of a stored-value card, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart generally illustrating one embodiment of a method of using a stored-value card, according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of one embodiment of an End-User License Agreement user interface, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A gift card or other stored-value card is adapted for making purchases of goods and/or services from e.g. a retail store or website. A stored-value card, according to embodiments of the present invention, stores data adapted to be read by an electronic device, such as an optical data reader, to present a user with interactive activities via a computer processing unit equipped with or operably coupled to the electronic device. In one embodiment, the interactive activities specifically include indications, objects, activities, slogans, advertising, promotional information, brand indicia, logos, and/or other information linked to a brand identifier of a particular store, product, or service for which the stored-value card can be used and applied to purchase goods and/or services.

According to one embodiment, an original consumer buys the stored-value card to give a recipient who in turn is able to use the stored-value card at a retail store or setting to pay for goods and/or services. The stored-value card presents one or more interactive activities and/or static data sets related to the products and/or retail setting with which the stored-value card is associated. In this manner, the original consumer provides the recipient with entertainment or education in addition to the ability to pay for goods and/or services. In some embodiments, the interactive activities on the stored-value card are related to an occasion, such as a wedding, new baby, graduation, holiday, season, etc. For example, in the case of a wedding, the bride and groom receive a stored-value card including interactive activities or static data relating to a wedding and use the gift card to shop for home needs or other items.

Turning to the figures,FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a stored-value card10 such as a gift card or other pre-paid card. In one embodiment, stored-value card10 is generally planar and is defined by first, second, third, andfourth edges12,14,16, and18.First edge12 andthird edge16 are each generally linear and are spaced from and positioned generally parallel to one another.Second edge14 extends between first andthird edges12 and16 with a convex curvature.Fourth edge18 extends between first andthird edges12 and16 oppositesecond edge14. More specifically,fourth edge18 extends with a convex curvature.

In one embodiment, stored-value card10 is sized and shaped similar to a credit or debit card, but withcurved edges16 and18 rather than the typically straight edges of credit or debit cards. Accordingly, stored-value card10 is sized to fit within a wallet or other holder sized to receive a credit or debit card. In addition, curved edges16 and18 facilitate placement of stored-value card10 in an electronic device, for example, an optical data reader (e.g. a CD-ROM drive, a DVD player, or a CD player) or any suitable electronic data reader.

A first generallyplanar surface20 is defined betweenedges12,14,16, and18 and a second generallyplanar surface22 is defined betweenedges12,14,16, and18 and is oppositefirst surface20. Anaperture24 extends through and is generally centered on each offirst surface20 andsecond surface22.Aperture24 is sized to be received by an optical data reader. In one embodiment,aperture24 is sized and shaped to engage the drive mechanism or rotatable spindle of the optical data reader.

In one embodiment,first surface20 is formed of a substrate, such as polycarbonate, resin, plastic, or other suitable material that is durable and flexible. Use of the above-described substrates will generally prevent stored-value card10 from cracking or breaking due to excessive pressure in a wallet or other holder and will otherwise generally protect against “wear and tear,” while still maintaining sufficient rigidity to be read by the electronic device.

First surface20 includes indicia including one or more of brand or store-identifyingindicia30,descriptive indicia32, anddecorative indicia34. Brand orstore identifying indicia30 indicate the associated brand or store for which stored-value card10 can be used and applied with a logo, slogan, brand indicia, trademark, or other identifying graphic and/or text. For instance,store identifying indicia30 indicate the particular store that will accept stored-value card10 as payment for goods and/or services.

Descriptive indicia32 indicate what software stored-value card10 includes. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1,descriptive indicia32 indicate that stored-value card10 is a gift card and that stored-value card10 includes computer games, in particular, holiday computer games. In other examples,descriptive indicia32 include the number and types of games, activities, and/or static data stored on stored-value card10 or any other indication of what data is stored on stored-value card10, such as coupons, movie trailer(s), music, etc.

Decorative indicia34 include any symbol, color, characters, graphics, or other objects that add to the overall look of stored-value card10. In particular,decorative indicia34 may include an attention-grabbingdisplay36 including text characters and/or objects, such as the “Wanna Play” line illustrated inFIG. 1. In one embodiment, the attention-grabbingdisplay36 includes anobject38, such as an animal, symbol, etc., relating to the product or store to which the stored-value card10 is linked, such as a mascot or logo associated with the store or product. For example, theobject38 inFIG. 1 is a dog mascot of the store or product with which the stored-value card10 is associated.

Alternatively or additionally,decorative indicia34 may include seasonal or occasion-specificdecorative indicia40. More specifically,decorative indicia34 are related to an occasion, such as a graduation, wedding, new baby, etc., a season, such as winter, spring, summer, or fall, and/or a holiday, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc. In one example, stored-value card10 is available to consumers during the winter holiday season. Accordingly, occasion-specificdecorative indicia40 include snowflakes and a generalized indication of a snow-covered ground as illustrated inFIG. 1.

In other embodiments, occasion-specificdecorative indicia40 may include one or more of objects such as Christmas trees, a nativity scene, menorah, fireworks, flower, leaf, graduation hat, stork, wedding ring, jack-o-lantern, ghost, etc. depending upon the occasion, season, or holiday at which the stored-value card10 is targeted. Accordingly,indicia34 are one example of means for associating stored-value cared10 with at least one of a holiday, a season, and an occasion. In one embodiment,decorative indicia40 are related to other information stored on stored-value card10, such as software represented by the data stored on stored-value card10, as will be further described below.

Stored-value cards according to embodiments of the invention, as well as the games or other interactive or static activities provided by the stored-value cards, are linked to seasonal or occasion-specific marketing activities of a retail store or other entity. For example, a winter-themed card, decorated with snowflakes and other winter-type indicia and providing winter-themed games or activities, is released, i.e. first offered for sale, at the beginning of a retailer's holiday sales season, and is removed from sale at the end of the season or shortly thereafter. Branding, decoration, other indicia on the card, and the games or activities themselves thus are chosen and designed to generate interest and “buzz” about a particular retailer, its products, and the exciting opportunities the retailer provides during a finite period of time such as the holiday shopping season or other season or event. As such, stored-value cards according to embodiments of the invention promote sales of the stored-value cards as well as of the associated goods and services available within a retail environment.

First surface20 also includes anaccount identifier48 such as a bar code, magnetic code, or other suitable identifier readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal or other account access station or kiosk.Account identifier48 indicates a financial account or record to which stored-value card10 is linked. An account or record of the monetary balance on stored-value card10 optionally is maintained on a database, other electronic or manual record-keeping system, or, in the case of “smart” cards, for example, on a chip or other electronics or devices on stored-value card10 itself. Accordingly, by scanningaccount identifier48, a financial account or record linked to stored-value card10 is identified and can subsequently be activated, have amounts debited therefrom, and/or have amounts added thereto. With the above in mind,account identifier48 is one example of means for linking stored-value card10 with a financial account or record.

Second surface22 of stored-value card10 stores data such as data representing software for subsequent access and reading by the electronic device. In one embodiment,second surface22 includes a plurality of optical data tracks50 concentrically positioned aboutaperture24. Each data track50 is configured to store the aforementioned data. In one embodiment, eachoptical data track50 is formed in a layer of polycrystalline or other suitable material and can be written and rewritten to several times by a CD burner or other suitable optical data track burner/writer.

In one embodiment, optical data tracks50 of stored-value card10 include data related to an End-User License Agreement (EULA) and interactive activities that are accessible via a CD-ROM. For example, upon insertion of stored-value card10 into an optical data reader and/or upon running the programs stored in optical data tracks50, a user interface including the EULA is automatically displayed to a user via a monitor, screen, or other suitable display device electrically coupled to the optical data reader. In one embodiment, additional user interfaces are not shown to a user until the user accepts the terms of the EULA. Additional details regarding one specific embodiment of an EULA are shown inFIG. 13.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, in one embodiment, auser interface90 is presented to the user.User interface90 is a menu, such as a main menu, generally including indicia of the software programs or activities represented by the data stored on stored-value card10. In one embodiment,user interface90 indicates that the software of stored-value card10 includes a first game and a second game by illustrating afirst game icon92 and asecond game icon94.First game icon92 may represent the first game by including a reference to either text, objects, and/or symbols included in the first game. In addition,additional indicia96 related to the first game may also be presented nearfirst icon92, such as a reference to the game type or name and/or an additional graphic related to the first game.

Second game icon94 may represent the second game by including a reference to either text, objects, and/or symbols included in the second game. For example, in one embodiment, the second game includes a dog or other animal catching snowflakes and, accordingly,second game icon94 includes a picture of the dog and/or the snowflakes involved in the second game. In one embodiment,additional indicia98 are included generally nearsecond game icon94 to further indicate aspects of the second game. In one embodiment,additional indicia98 include a reference to the game name as well as an illustration of a character included in the second game.

In one embodiment,game icon92 and/or94 and/oradditional indicia96 and/or98 include reference to a store, brand, or other product identifier and/or to a mascot, object, symbol, or other item that users generally associate with the card provider. In one example, one or more ofgame icons92 and94 andadditional indicia96 and98 relate to an occasion, season, or holiday for which stored-value card10 is offered. In one embodiment, mainmenu user interface90 additionally includes one ormore backgrounds100 orborders102 to further populate mainmenu user interface90. In one embodiment,backgrounds100 andborders102 relate to a trademark, object, color, mascot, or symbol associated with the card provider. In one example,backgrounds100 andborders102 relate to an occasion, season, or holiday for which stored-value card10 is offered. Thus,icons92 and94,additional indicia96 and98,backgrounds100, and/orborders102 provide one example of means for associating stored-value card10 with at least one of a holiday, a season, and an occasion.

In addition to being aesthetically linked to the software data onfinancial transaction card10 and/or to the provider or product associated with stored-value card10, eachicon92 and94 is also actively linked to the software data. In other words, by a user selection or click on one oficons92 and94, the user is presented with an aspect of the software, such as the interactive activity or data set represented by therespective icon92 or94. For example, in one embodiment in whichfirst icon92 is linked to a first game andsecond icon94 is linked to a second game, user selection of one oficons92 and94 selects which of the first game and second game the user wishes to play or otherwise access.

Upon user selection offirst icon92, the user is presented with a new user interface unique to the associated first game. In one embodiment, the user is presented with a first game menu that includes items such as directions, level selection tools, etc. Upon reviewing and selecting to begin play at the first game menu, the user is presented with a firstgame user interface110, such as that illustrated inFIG. 4. In one example, the first game is related to at least one of the occasion, season, holiday, store identifiers, brand identifiers, products, etc.

For example, firstgame user interface110 illustrated inFIG. 4 presents a memory game related to gift giving and including reference to a dog mascot of the store or product associated with stored-value card10. In particular,game user interface110 represents a memory game as indicated generally bygame title indicia112 and includes a plurality of wrappedboxes114. Each of the plurality of wrappedboxes114 houses contents such as a particular view of a store mascot, a symbol, a product, an object relating to one or more of an occasion, season, or holiday, or a mixture of the different contents described above. The plurality of wrappedboxes114 are divided into pairs of boxes where eachbox114 in a pair houses similar or identical contents.Boxes114 of different pairs havedifferent contents116.

Upon a user clicking or otherwise selecting one of the plurality ofboxes114, the selectedbox114 is opened to revealcontents116 of the selectedbox114. In each turn, the user is able to select twoboxes114. The object is to select box pairs, i.e. to find twoboxes114 with matchingcontents116, in a single turn. Therefore, for each turn or move, twoboxes114 are selected by the user and compared to determine if the selected boxes have matchingcontents116. In one embodiment, once bothboxes114 of a pair are selected in a single turn, that pair of boxes is removed fromgame user interface110. Accordingly, a user continues to takes turns until all the plurality ofboxes116 are paired and/or removed fromgame user interface110.

In one embodiment, the number of moves, which is equal to the number of turns the user has taken, is tracked by amove counter118. In one embodiment, the number of matches (i.e., the number of box pairs identified) is indicated by amatch counter119. In one embodiment, following completion of first level, a user is presented with a score and an opportunity to move on to the next level. In one example, the score is equal to the number of moves taken at the first level to match all theboxes114. In one embodiment, subsequent levels sequentially increase in difficulty, for example, by presenting a user with a larger plurality ofboxes114 to match or pair.

In one embodiment, firstgame user interface110 additionally includes one or more oflevel indicia120, askip level button122, aquit button124, and amain menu button126.Level indicia120 indicate the current level of the first game that the user is playing.Skip level button122 allows a user to skip the current level by clicking on or otherwise selectingskip level button122. Similarly, quitbutton124 allows a user to quit the current game by clicking on or otherwise selectingquit button124. Upon clicking on or otherwise selectingmain menu126 button, the user is exited from the first game and returned to mainmenu user interface90.

User selection ofsecond icon94 causes the user to be presented with a new user interface unique to the associated second game. In one embodiment, the user is presented with a second game menu that includes items such as directions, level selection tools, etc. for the second game. Upon reviewing and selecting to begin play on second game menu, the user is presented with a secondgame user interface130, one example of which is illustrated inFIG. 5. In one example, the second game is related to at least one of the occasion, season, holiday, store identifiers, product, etc. The game type or title is included on secondgame user interface130 astitle indicia131.

In secondgame user interface130 ofFIG. 5, the game is focused around thedog mascot132 of the store or product associated with stored-value card10, which is trying to catch falling snowflakes134 on its tongue. In this respect, the game is related to the store or product viadog mascot132 and is also related to the winter season with the inclusion of snowflakes134. The user is able to control movements ofdog mascot132 including the direction of movement and jumping of the dog in an attempt to catch a greater number of snowflakes134. Additional levels of the second game may incorporate additional obstacles, such as frozen ponds or flying snowballs, and/or may incorporate additional rewards such as bones or treats.

In one embodiment, secondgame user interface130 additionally includes scoreindicia136 and atime indicator138.Score indicia136 relay to the user a score the user has accumulated by catching snowflakes134 and/or other rewards on the tongue ofdog mascot132.Time indicator138 indicates how much time a user has left at the current level to attempt to catchmore snowflakes34. In one embodiment,time indicator138 includes a ticker clock counting down the number of seconds until the current level is completed. In one embodiment, secondgame user interface130 includeslevel indicia120,skip level button122, quitbutton124, andmain menu button126 as described above with respect to firstgame user interface110.

With the above in mind, stored-value card10 functions as a financial transaction or gift card, but additionally provides recipient of stored-value card10 with the additional gift of one or more software interactive activities, such as the games described above. In one embodiment, the software activities are provided to appeal to a wide variety of ages. In other embodiments, the software activities are targeted toward an average age group for a particular occasion, such as graduation. Accordingly, a consumer gifting the stored-value card10 to a recipient is able to provide the recipient with more than just a stored-value card. Moreover, the interactive activities generally relate to the store or other brand identification, thereby providing additional marketing opportunities for the store or other product providers to reach the recipient of stored-value card10. In addition, any seasonal or occasion-specific objects or indicia included in the interactive activities, such asboxes114 and snowflakes134, provide means for associating stored-value card with at least one of a holiday, a season, and an occasion.

In one embodiment, in addition or as an alternative to one or more of the games described above, at least one of the software activities provided by stored-value card10 includes a dressing room, which allows a user to dress a body sized and shaped similar to his or herself in clothes available from the store associated with stored-value card10. According to another embodiment, a software activity includes a personalization area where the giver can personalize stored-value card10 to the recipient and/or occasion, season, or holiday with a message, pictures, digital photographs, music or other items. In one embodiment, the software of stored-value card10 additionally or alternatively includes other read-only activities such as movie trailers, music samples, coupons, web site links, product information, advertisements, demonstrations, etc. With the above in mind, the data stored on stored-value card10 is one example of means for providing interactive brand-related activities to a user.

In one embodiment, stored-value card10 is placed within a package or carrier to facilitate marketing or general placement within a retail store or setting.FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a packagedcard product150 including abi-fold package backer152, awindow154, and stored-value card10.Packaged card product150 is configured to provide stored-value card10 between surfaces ofbi-fold package backer152 such that stored-value card10 is visible to consumers and purchasers through transparent substrate orwindow154. By placing stored-value card10 to be viewable by consumers, consumers are fully informed of what the card they are purchasing looks like. In addition, the size ofpackage backer152 increases the overall size of packagedcard product150, increasing marketing area on packagedcard product150 and decreasing the ease of shoplifting packagedcard product150.

FIGS. 7,7A, and8 illustrate one embodiment ofpackage backer152.Package backer152 is an elongated, generally rectangular piece of a generally planar material, such as cardstock, paperboard, plastic, or other suitable material. More specifically,package backer152 is a bi-fold substrate that is roughly foldable in half. InFIGS. 7 and 8,package backer152 is unfolded, i.e. is in an open configuration. Accordingly, unfoldedpackage backer152 defines an outside, printedsurface160 and aninside surface162 opposite printedsurface160. Aperforated line164 is laterally defined between oppositelongitudinal edges166 and168 and is generally centered between oppositelateral edges170 and172 to define atop panel174 and abottom panel176.

Top panel174 defines anaperture178 similarly shaped and sized slightly larger than stored-value card10 (FIG. 6). In one embodiment,aperture178 includes two parallel and laterally extendingedges180 and182 and twoconvex edges184 and186. Laterally extendingedge182 is spaced from laterally extendingedge180. Convex edges184 and186 each extend between laterally extendingedges180 and182 opposite one another. In one embodiment,aperture178 is formed relatively near toperforated line164. In one example,top panel174 further defines asupport arm aperture188 near toplateral edge170 configured to receive a display support arm or hook.

In one embodiment,top panel174 includesgeneral marketing indicia190 andsoftware indicia192.General marketing indicia190 include phrases, wording, objects, or symbols targeted to attract the eye of consumers and/or to explain the basis of the product to consumers. For example, as indicated inFIGS. 6 and 7,general marketing indicia190 both attract consumer attention and explain the product by stating “One Gift Card. Two Games. Three times the fun.”

Software indicia192 include an indication of what software, such as interactive activities, static activities, etc., are included on stored-value card10. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7,software indicia192 include atitle194 and a graphic196 for each game included on stored-value card10. In one embodiment, the design ofsoftware indicia192 is similar in appearance to main menu user interface90 (FIG. 3). As illustrated,software indicia192 further include an indication of a holiday, season, and/or occasion, if any, that the software is related to. In the illustrated example, the software is identified as relating to winter holidays due to the use of the phrase “Holiday Computer Games”198 and the appearance ofsnowflakes200. Other suitable indicia can also be included ontop panel174, such ascompatibility indicia202 indicating the operating systems the software of stored-value card10 is compatible with, etc.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 7A, outside, printedsurface160 ofbottom panel176 displays indicia, graphics, or text information including store logo(s), store names(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotional information, and/or other information.Indicia210, for example, include “To,” “From,” “Initial GiftCard Value,” and “Message” fields.Indicia212 promote that stored-value card10 is reloadable (i.e., value can be added to the account linked to stored-value card10) at any time. In one embodiment,instructional indicia214 are included to depict the instructions for accessing the software of stored-value card10 (FIG. 6). In one example,instructional indicia214 include instructions for use of card software on either a Macintosh computer or Windows PC.Instructional indicia214 can also include recommended systems for optimal performance of the card software.

Optional game indicia216 onbottom panel176 illustrate a portion of each interactive activity included in the card software to further educate the buyer and recipient of the software included with the purchase of stored-value card10. In one embodiment,redemption indicia218 are also included onbottom panel176 indicating that stored-value card10 is redeemable for the purchase of goods and/or services and that, upon use, a value of the purchased goods and/or services will be deducted from the financial account or record linked to stored-value card10. In one embodiment,redemption indicia218 include phrases such as “<Name of Store> GiftCard” and “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or services at any of our stores or at our website,” and/or provides help or phone line information in case of a lost, stolen, or damaged stored-value card, etc.

In one example,bottom panel176 further defines asupport arm aperture220 near bottomlateral edge172 configured to receive a display support arm or hook. More particularly,support arm aperture220 is positioned relative to bottomlateral edge172 similar to the position ofsupport arm aperture188 oftop panel174 relative to toplateral edge170.

Any ofindicia30,32,34,40,48,190,192,202,210,212,214,216,218, or other indicia, optionally may appear anywhere on outside, printedsurface160 ofpackage backer152 or stored-value card10. Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein also may be included. In this manner, printedsurface160 has an overall appearance corresponding in color, design, etc. with an overall appearance of stored-value card10. Thus,indicia30,32,34,40,48,190,192,202,210,214,216,218, and other indicia correlating the overall appearance of printedsurface160 to the overall appearance of stored-value card10 are examples of means for visually linking stored-value card10 to packagebacker152.

Referring toFIG. 8, in one embodiment, insidesurface162 ofpackage backer152 is generally blank other than abackground field222. In one embodiment,background field222 is shaped similar to and sized slightly larger thanwindow aperture178. In other embodiments,background field222 is shaped in another manner but is still larger thanwindow aperture178. In one embodiment,background field222 is of a color or pattern complementing or matching the overall color or theme of printedsurface160.

As illustrated with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, upon assembly of packagedcard product150,second surface22 of stored-value card10 is placed uponbottom panel176 ofinside surface162. More specifically, store-valuedcard10 is generally centered uponbackground field22 ofpackage backer152.Dots230 of adhesive are placed about and spaced slightly from stored-valuedcard10. In one embodiment,adhesive dots230 are placed just outside a perimeter ofwindow aperture178. In other embodiments, curved or linear lines or other arrangement of adhesive may be applied to packagebacker152 spaced from and about stored-value card10.

Window or layer of generallytransparent substrate154 is placed over stored-value card10. In particular,window154 is generally planar and defines afirst surface234 and asecond surface236 oppositefirst surface234. With this in mind,window154 is placed over stored-value card10 such thatfirst surface234 interacts with eachadhesive dot230 to securewindow154 to packagebacker152 and, thereby to secure stored-value card10 betweenwindow154 andpackage backer152. In one embodiment,window154 is a generally clear vellum or other suitable material.

One or more lines of adhesive240 are placed near toplateral edge170 and near bottomlateral edge172 ofpackage backer152. In one embodiment, additional adhesive is applied toinside surface162 between toplateral edge170 andwindow aperture178 and between bottomlateral edge172 andbackground field222.Package backer152 is folded generally in half aboutperforated line164, andtop panel174 is pressed to backpanel176, adhering insidesurface162 oftop panel174 toinside surface162 ofbottom panel176, as illustrated in e.g.FIGS. 6 and 10.

Once folded,window aperture178 aligns with and fits overbackground field222 and stored-value card10. Due towindow aperture178 andwindow154, stored-value card10 is viewable from outside packagedcard product150. In one example, a portion ofbackground field222 is viewable throughwindow aperture178 about stored-value card10 and/or throughaperture178. Accordingly,package backer152 andwindow154 are one example of means for removably supporting stored-value card10 for display in a retail setting.

With the above in mind,account identifier48 of stored-value card10 is also viewable throughwindow154 of packagedcard product150. In one embodiment, a scanner or other reader can accessaccount identifier48 to activate stored-value card10 throughwindow154. Stored-value card10 is activated when a monetary amount is added to the financial account or record linked to stored-value card10. In one embodiment, upon the initial reading ofaccount identifier48 by a point-of-sale terminal or other terminal, a preset or customized monetary value is automatically added to the financial account or record linked to stored-value card10. Thus, scanningaccount identifier48 throughwindow154 illustrates one example of means for activating or loading value on stored-value card10 throughpackage backer152 andwindow154.

Referring toFIG. 11, stored-value card10 is purchased and activated in a first retail store or setting250. Once purchased, stored-value card10 can be placed within an electronic device such as an optical data reader of acomputer processing unit252, which is remotely positioned with respect toretail store250. The electronic device reads data from stored-value card10 and presents the software including the interactive activities and/or static data to the user. Prior to or subsequent to accessing the software of stored-value card10, stored-value card10 is transportable back to first retail store or setting250 or to a second remote retail store or setting254 to redeem stored-value card10, more particularly to redeem the monetary value in the financial account or record associated with stored-value card10, for goods and/or services. In one embodiment, one or both ofretail settings250 and254 is a store or web site. Stored-value card10 thus provides (1) a pre-paid card for purchasing goods and/or services at one or more retail settings and (2) a software package configured to entertain and/or educate the user. In one embodiment, providing a software package also serves to expose the user to additional marketing messages from the retail setting or related to a product line or brand.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of amethod260 of using stored-value card10. At262, stored-value card10 is purchased by an original consumer from a retail store, such asretail store250. At264, the consumer optionally gives stored-value card10 to a recipient, such as a graduate, a relative, a friend, expectant parents, one having a recent or impending birthday, a couple having a recent or impending anniversary, etc. As an alternative, the original consumer can keep stored-value card10 for his or her own use.

At266, the original consumer or the recipient, whomever is in current ownership of stored-value card10, accesses the card software as described above. At268, the current owner of stored-value card10 redeems stored-value card10 for goods and/or services from retail setting250 or254. At270, the current owner of stored-value card10 adds value to stored-value card10, more particularly, to the account or record associated with stored-value card10, at eitherretail setting250 or254. Upon accessing software at266, redeeming stored-value card10 at268, or adding value to stored-value card10 at270, the current owner of stored-value card10 subsequently can perform any ofsteps266,268, or270 as desired. In one embodiment, the ability of the current owner to repeat redeeming stored-value card10 at268 is limited by whether the account or record associated with stored-value card10 has any value at the time of redemption.

FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of auser interface300 including aEULA362.User interface300displays EULA362, afirst button364, and asecond button366.EULA362 includes the terms for a legal agreement between the user of the software and/or other data on stored-value card10 and the provider of the software product, such as a store, a product retailer, etc.

In one embodiment,EULA362 includes one or more of anintroductory section368, acopyright section370, a grant oflicense section372, alimitations section374, atermination section376, awarranty disclaimer378, a limitation ofliability section380, and aconcluding section382.Introductory section368 includes an identification of the agreement and a description of the method of accepting the terms of the agreement. In one example,introductory section368 includes a description of the method of accepting the terms of the agreement indicating that clickingfirst button364, which is an “I ACCEPT” button, indicates user agreement to the license as described byEULA362. In this embodiment,second button366 is an “I DECLINE” button that is to be selected if a user does not wish to agree to or enter into the license described inEULA362.

Copyright section370 identifies that the laws of copyright applying to the software of stored-value card10 and that all copyrights are owned by the card provider, be it a store or other provider. Grant oflicense372 indicates that provisions of the data and software of stored-value card to the user is by license rather than by sale, limits the user to the number of copies, if any, allowed underEULA362, and generally prohibits user rental of the software data.Limitations section374 provides limitations on the user's use of the software data. For example, in one embodiment,limitations section374 prohibits disassembly of the software data into subparts or components to be installed or utilized on multiple computers.

Termination section376 lays out the ability of the provider (i.e., store, product provider, etc.) to terminate the license to the user if the user fails to comply with the terms laid out inEULA362. In one embodiment,warranty disclaimer378 disclaims both express and implied warranties to the extent permitted by law. Limitation ofliability section380 describes the damages for which the provider will not be liable arising out of the user misuse of or inability to use the software stored on stored-value card10. In one embodiment, the limitation ofliability section380 additionally limits the total liability.

In one embodiment, concludingsection378 states thatEULA362 constitutes the entire agreement, thereby, disallowing the incorporation of other references into the license; that if any provision is unenforceable, that provision alone should be modified only by the extent necessary to bring it within the law while upholding other provisions of the agreement; a clarification of the scope of waiver of any individual breech of the agreement; a description of available remedies; an election of applicable law and jurisdiction; and/or a designation of contact should the user have anyquestions regarding EULA362.

If the user selectssecond button366, the user declines to enter intoEULA362 and the user will be blocked from accessing any additional software and/or data stored on stored-value card10. If the user selectsfirst button364, the user accepts and enters intoEULA362 with the provider and is allowed to access the other software and/or data stored on stored-value card10.

Stored-value cards come in many forms, according to embodiments of the invention. The stored-value card, like other gift cards, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the original consumer, the gift recipient, or a third party. The term “loading on” or “loaded on” a card herein should be interpreted to include adding to the balance of a financial account or record associated with the stored-value card. The balance associated with the stored-value card declines as the stored-value card is used, encouraging repeat visits. The card remains in the user's purse, wallet, or near a user's computer, serving as an advertisement or reminder to re-visit the associated merchant at a retail store or website. Stored-value cards according to embodiments of the invention provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the merchant or retail store. Other stored-value cards in the realm of the present invention include loyalty cards, merchandise return cards, electronic gift certificates, employee cards, frequency cards, pre-paid cards, and other types of cards associated with or representing purchasing power or monetary value, for example.

Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, stored-value cards optionally are virtual or electronic cards accessible on a retailer's website, other Internet location, kiosk, or elsewhere for electronic transfers. Other modifications within the scope of the invention in its various embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.

Claims (13)

1. A financial transaction card assembly, comprising:

a financial transaction card defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface including a link associated with a financial account or record; and

a carrier including:

a backer defining a window aperture, and

a generally transparent window extending over the window aperture;

wherein the carrier is configured to house the financial transaction card while on display for retail sale of the financial transaction card, and further wherein the link to the financial account or record is viewable from outside the carrier through the transparent window;

wherein the financial transaction card includes interactive software relating to at least one of a brand, a store identifier, and a store mascot;

wherein the carrier includes indicia generally identifying the interactive software.

2. The financial transaction card assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the carrier includes indicia relating to the redemption of the financial transaction card for goods or services.

3. The financial transaction card assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the carrier includes an aperture configured for hanging the carrier from a display rod.

4. The financial transaction card assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the carrier is a bi-fold carrier.

5. The financial transaction card assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the bi-fold carrier defines a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel defines the window aperture, and wherein the financial transaction card is maintained between the second panel and the window.

6. The financial transaction card assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the second panel includes a background field partially viewable through the window around at least a portion of the financial transaction card.

7. The financial transaction card assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the window is adhered to the second panel at least partially about the financial transaction card, and the first panel is subsequently folded upon and adhered to the second panel.

8. A financial transaction card assembly, comprising:

a financial transaction card defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface including a link associated with a financial account or record; and

a carrier including:

a backer defining a window aperture, and

a generally transparent window extending over the window aperture;

wherein the carrier is configured to house the financial transaction card while on display for retail sale of the financial transaction card, and further wherein the link to the financial account or record is viewable from outside the carrier through the transparent window;

wherein the carrier is a bi-fold carrier defining a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel defines the window aperture, and wherein the financial transaction card is maintained between the second panel and the window;

wherein the second panel includes a background field partially viewable through the window around at least a portion of the financial transaction card.

9. The financial transaction card assembly ofclaim 8, wherein the financial transaction card includes interactive software relating to at least one of a brand, a store identifier, and a store mascot.

10. The financial transaction card assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the carrier includes indicia generally identifying the interactive software.

11. The financial transaction card assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the carrier includes indicia relating to the redemption of the financial transaction card for goods or services.

12. The financial transaction card assembly ofclaim 8, wherein the carrier includes an aperture configured for hanging the carrier from a display rod.

13. The financial transaction card assembly ofclaim 8, wherein the window is adhered to the second panel at least partially about the financial transaction card, and the first panel is subsequently folded upon and adhered to the second panel.

Images